Za’atar Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a dish that bursts with vibrant Middle Eastern flavors while keeping things easy and nutritious, the Za’atar Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is here to impress. This recipe marries succulent, crispy-skinned chicken leg quarters with fragrant za’atar seasoning, roasted alongside tender cauliflower and sweet shallots, all baked on one pan for fuss-free cleanup. Each bite carries that warm, tangy hit of za’atar, making it a standout weeknight meal that feels special yet comes together in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Za’atar Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that each play an important role in creating the dish’s layered flavors and textures. From crispy chicken skin to the earthy za’atar and caramelized vegetables, every item is essential.
- 3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters: The skin crisps up beautifully while the meat stays juicy and flavorful.
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps crisp the chicken and veggies.
- 2½ teaspoons kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the chicken perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons za’atar: This Middle Eastern spice blend brings an herby, tangy, and slightly nutty punch.
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into small florets: Roasting caramelizes its sweet, nutty flavor.
- 3 large shallots, quartered: Adds a delicate oniony sweetness once roasted.
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil (for the veggies and za’atar oil): Ensures everything roasts evenly and adds depth.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (for the za’atar oil): Balances the flavors in the finishing drizzle.
- 1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced: For a fragrant, savory kick in the za’atar oil drizzle.
- Hummus, tahini sauce, tzatziki, and couscous (optional sides): Perfect accompaniments to round out the meal and add creamy, fresh textures.
How to Make Za’atar Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 425°F and placing a rack in the center. This hot temperature helps the chicken skin get wonderfully crispy while allowing the vegetables to roast to tender, caramelized perfection.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
Patting the chicken dry is key here — moisture on the skin will steam it instead of crisping it up. Be sure to get the skin as dry as possible using paper towels, setting you up for that irresistible golden finish.
Step 3: Make the Za’atar Mixture
Combine olive oil, most of the salt, and za’atar in a small bowl. This fragrant oil mixture will coat both the chicken and vegetables, infusing everything with bold, herbaceous flavor as it roasts.
Step 4: Toss and Arrange on the Sheet Pan
In a rimmed sheet pan, toss the cauliflower and shallots with half of the za’atar mixture. Then coat each chicken leg with the remaining oil blend, placing them skin side up in between the vegetables. Finish sprinkling the chicken with the remaining salt for that final seasoning touch. Bake everything for 35 to 40 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 5: Whisk Up the Za’atar Oil
While the chicken and veggies roast, prepare a quick za’atar oil by whisking olive oil, za’atar, salt, and minced garlic together. This vibrant drizzle will add an extra layer of bright flavor and aroma just before serving.
Step 6: Finish and Serve Your Za’atar Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
Once out of the oven, drizzle the chicken with the fresh za’atar oil. For an extra touch, serve alongside creamy hummus, earthy tahini sauce, cooling tzatziki, or fluffy couscous. These sides complement the za’atar’s complex notes and bring everything together beautifully.
How to Serve Za’atar Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or mint bring a fresh pop that balances the earthy za’atar flavors beautifully. A squeeze of lemon over the top just before serving can brighten up the whole plate, making each bite even more vibrant and delicious.
Side Dishes
This Za’atar Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner pairs wonderfully with fluffy couscous or warm pita bread for soaking up all those wonderful juices and sauces. Cool, creamy tzatziki or a smooth hummus adds a luscious contrast to the roasted textures on the pan.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, arrange the chicken pieces and roasted veggies on a large platter, drizzle with extra za’atar oil, and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and toasted pine nuts. It turns this easy dinner into a show-stopping centerpiece that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Za’atar Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken stays moist and the vegetables maintain their flavor, making for quick and tasty next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and veggies separately in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture and flavor intact.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a 350°F oven to maintain the crisp skin and avoid drying out the chicken. Reheating in the microwave works too but won’t keep that golden, crispy finish on the chicken skin—oven reheating is best whenever possible.
FAQs
What is za’atar?
Za’atar is a flavorful Middle Eastern spice blend typically made with dried thyme, oregano, marjoram, toasted sesame seeds, and sumac. It adds a tangy, herby, and slightly nutty flavor that elevates simple dishes like this chicken dinner.
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but bone-in, skin-on pieces like leg quarters deliver the juiciest results and crisp skin that boneless cuts won’t quite match. If using boneless, adjust cooking time to avoid overcooking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The Za’atar Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner itself is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure any sides you add, like couscous, are gluten-free or swap with rice or a gluten-free grain.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
While this version focuses on chicken, you can easily swap in hearty vegetables or tofu and roast with za’atar oil for a plant-based take that’s equally delicious and satisfying.
What sides go best with Za’atar Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner?
Traditional Middle Eastern sides like hummus, tahini sauce, tzatziki, and couscous pair perfectly. Fresh salads or roasted flatbreads are also great for rounding out this vibrant, flavorful meal.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that’s bursting with flavor but requires minimal effort, the Za’atar Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is a true winner. It’s the perfect recipe to impress family or friends with bold, authentic tastes while keeping the kitchen mess-free. Give it a try tonight—you may just find your new favorite go-to meal that combines crave-worthy seasoning with effortless cooking.
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Za’atar Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Za’atar Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is a vibrant and flavorful one-pan meal featuring juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters seasoned with aromatic za’atar spice blend, roasted alongside tender cauliflower florets and sweet shallots. The dish is finished with a simple za’atar oil drizzle and pairs perfectly with Mediterranean sides like hummus, tahini sauce, tzatziki, or couscous for a wholesome, delicious dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons za’atar
Vegetables
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into small florets
- 3 large shallots, quartered
Za’atar Oil
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons za’atar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced
For Serving
- Hummus
- Tahini Sauce
- Tzatziki
- Couscous
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and position the rack in the center of the oven for even roasting.
- Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken leg quarters completely dry using paper towels to ensure crisp skin when roasted.
- Make za’atar mixture: In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, and 2 tablespoons za’atar until well mixed.
- Toss and arrange vegetables and chicken: On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the cauliflower florets and quartered shallots with half of the za’atar mixture to coat evenly. Then, coat the chicken with the remaining za’atar mixture and arrange the pieces skin side up between the vegetables. Sprinkle the chicken with the remaining ½ teaspoon kosher salt.
- Roast the chicken and vegetables: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and roast for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when measured with an instant-read thermometer.
- Make the za’atar oil: While the chicken roasts, whisk together ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons za’atar, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and minced garlic cloves in a small bowl until combined.
- Finish and serve: Once the chicken and vegetables are done roasting, remove from the oven and drizzle the chicken with the za’atar oil. Serve immediately alongside your choice of hummus, tahini sauce, tzatziki, and/or couscous for a complete Mediterranean-style dinner.
Notes
- Using bone-in, skin-on chicken quarters provides juicy meat and crispy skin after roasting.
- Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend typically containing thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds; adjust amount to taste.
- Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps achieve crispier skin.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked to 165°F internal temperature.
- You can substitute vegetables based on preference, such as broccoli or carrots.
- Serving the dish with couscous or sauces like hummus or tzatziki adds variety and balances flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Roasting, Sheet Pan
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken leg quarter with vegetables (approx. 6 oz chicken + vegetables)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: Za’atar, chicken, sheet pan dinner, roasted cauliflower, Mediterranean, easy dinner, one-pan meal, healthy chicken recipe
